Chartogne-Taillet is one of Champagne's most celebrated grower-producer addresses, based in the village of Merfy just north of Reims in the Saint-Thierry appellation. Alexandre Chartogne, who took over from his father Philippe and pioneered the house's single-parcel programme, trained with the legendary Anselme Selosse and applies the same vineyards-first, minimal-intervention philosophy to all eleven hectares. Chemin de Reims is his most powerful and vinous cuvee.

The Chemin de Reims parcel covers just over one hectare, facing south-southeast, planted in 1980, 1995 and 2011. Its Thanetian sand soils, extremely iron-rich with varied layers before reaching a base of sandstone, impart a distinctive fullness, structure and almost ferric texture entirely different from the chalk-dominated terroirs of Avize or Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The blend incorporates 85% Chardonnay and 15% Arbanne, the latter a rare, ancient Champagne variety that adds both aromatic specificity and textural interest. Vinification takes place in 350 to 600-litre oak barrels, with a modest proportion of new wood and regular topping up to preserve aromatic purity. The base 2020 was disgorged in October 2024 at 2.5 grams per litre dosage.

The Wine Advocate awarded 96 points to the base 2020 release, Kristaps Karklins describing the wine as 'a paragon of Blanc de Blancs: taut, mineral-driven and electrifying,' opening with 'vivid aromas of fresh apricot, grapefruit zest and jasmine, mingling with a note of roasted hazelnut.' The Chemin de Reims consistently ranks as one of the estate's most complex and long-lived cuvees, with Vinous awarding 96 to the 2019 vintage and noting its 'bundle of focus and tension.'

Cellar for three to five years for optimal development. Best from 2027 to 2038. Pair with fine oysters, lobster, white truffle risotto or aged mountain cheese. Serve in a broad white Burgundy glass to concentrate the iron-mineral aromatics.